You can hear the “shot heard round the world” just a few miles down the road at the American Village in Montevallo. Celebrating its 10^th anniversary this month, the Village takes visitors back in time with guides like Patrick Henry, Abigail Adams and Benjamin Franklin, as they learn about American history and government in a very special way.

Every year, this revolutionary educational campus draws tens of thousands of students from across the Southeast to participate in programs designed to build good citizens.

"The essence of the American civic system – indeed the essence of our communities – is based on citizen involvement," said Tom Walker, founder and Executive Director.  "This campus works to build good citizens through experiential-based learning activities, directly tied to the Alabama courses of study in American history, civics and government."

Open to the public as well as school and youth groups, the Village is a destination site for teachers, student groups and adult visitors intrigued by the chance to relive some of American history's defining moments. Led by historical interpreters, visitors jump right into the middle of the action. When the day is over, they understand that America was created by real people not so different from themselves, people who were struggling with tough decisions and doing the best they could in complex and confusing times.

"This is not a place to look and see, but to act and do," Walker said. "We wanted to create a place where people could get away from the business of the world for a while and imagine a time and place where liberty animated an entire population.

“From Concord Bridge in 1775 to the Edmund Pettus Bridge in 1965 and beyond, America's stories have centered on fulfilling the dream of liberty.  George Washington believed this was an 'experiment in self-government' and that experiment is tested in every generation."       

The 113-acre campus features a village atmosphere, inspired by iconic American structures, such as Washington’s Mount Vernon; the Oval Office; the original “White House” in Philadelphia, and Bruton Parish Chapel in Williamsburg, Virginia,   Unique classrooms and learning spaces allow students and other visitors to step into vignettes as first-hand participants, exploring the foundations of American liberty and self-government.  Here they are challenged by Franklin's words, that our country was a new work, a Republic, "if you can keep it."

As they step back in time, visitors see how ideals and ideas animated the American Revolution to form our nation.  They reconnect to the passions that fueled this country's original fight for freedom and self-government.

Mission of the American Citizenship Trust
The mission of the parent entity, the American Citizenship Trust, chartered by state law in 1995, is to strengthen and renew the foundations of American liberty and self-government through citizenship and leadership education.  Through teaching, outreach, service and advocacy, the Trust undertakes a number of projects designed to stir enthusiasm for liberty and our responsibilities as citizens. Chief among them is operating the American Village as a nationally-pioneering civic education center.

Built with a combination of private and public funds, the American Village includes more than dozen colonial-style iconic structures. “The purpose of the Village is to enhance civic understanding; to help people realize that today we stand on the shoulders of men and women, known and unknown, who in times past have chosen to make a difference," said Walker, who was recognized by the American Bar Association with its highest national award for excellence in law-related education,  "Today, each one of us as individual citizens, in our everyday walk of life, has a choice to make a difference.”

The American Village provides programs that train the next generation to become active, positive citizens, breaking what Walker called the chains of civic apathy and ignorance.

“They are prepared to join the ranks of fellow citizens as ethical, hard-working, builders, leaders and taxpayers who give of their time, energy and talent to make a difference.”

Visitors to the Village enjoy theatre, art, music and other performing arts throughout the year. This is truly a stage where America's pageant of liberty comes alive for everyone. You may find yourself enjoying a real-life wedding at Lucille Ryals Thompson Colonial Chapel or a special, even “revolutionary,” gathering at Liberty Hall, inspired by the East Room of the White House. 

Top on the list for visitors is the Village's Independence Day 1776! Celebration, so make your plans for this Fourth of July.

The American Village also has now been designated as Alabama's Veterans Living Legacy, with a new National Veterans Cemetery open on several hundred acres nearby.  A liberty trail and National Veterans Shrine will showcase the stories of Alabama veterans who have served our country and continue to teach youth the vital lessons of liberty.

What’s ahead for the next decade, as the American Village becomes even more of a major regional and national institution? As part of its 10th anniversary celebration, the American Citizenship Trust and its American Village campus will unveil a vision that includes even more ways to serve our community and beyond. Look for even more ways to educate and inspire the next generation..

Make your plans today to explore American Village, on Alabama  Highway 119 just north of Montevallo in Shelby County or start with the website or a phone call 205-665-3535.